OPINION:
I was happy when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis retained his seat by a decisive victory in the last election. I was also happy that the Republican Party had a solid front-runner for 2028 — if Mr. DeSantis didn’t let his gubernatorial victory get to his head.
But when the establishment Republicans started to talk him up, I realize he was overhyped. The more that people get to know Ron DeSantis, the more they dislike him. He has no charisma and he’s not genuine.
In politics, betraying the person who built your career never goes over well with voters. Mr. DeSantis’ argument has been that he’s Donald Trump without the baggage and that he’s electable. Yet Mr. Trump is leading Mr. DeSantis in the latter’s home state.
Even Nikki Haley seems like she will wind up in second place behind Mr. Trump, when a year ago some polls had Mr. DeSantis defeating him.
It is clear that Mr. Trump will be the Republican nominee in 2024, and this will be the first time since Franklin Roosevelt that we have had a three-time, consecutive major party nominee in a general election.
Now Mrs. Haley is being hyped by the same people who hyped Mr. DeSantis. When the voters get to know her more, however, her numbers will likely drop. And if and when Mr. Trump targets her hard, she will likely be destroyed politically just like Mr. DeSantis was.
Unlike Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis is not even being considered as Donald Trump’s running mate. Mr. DeSantis is clearly the biggest flop of 2023.
There is only one Donald Trump, and Republicans want the real one, not Trump Light.
TEDDYLEE GRAY
St. Ann, Jamaica
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